Evonik is advancing its transformation into a sustainable specialties provider by divesting its betaines business in Bekasi, Indonesia. On 31 October 2025, Evonik and its joint venture partner PT Sumi Asih closed the purchase with Aekyung Chemical Co, Ltd, one of the largest chemical companies in South Korea. The transaction comprises 100 percent of the PT Evonik Sumi Asih joint venture including its management, operations, assets and around 60 employees.
“Our site in Bekasi has played a key role in expanding our life sciences businesses across the Asia-Pacific region,” said Ute Schick, head of the Care Solutions business line. “As our focus shifts toward sustainable specialties – such as our investments in biosurfactants – this divestment aligns with our strategic direction.”
Evonik has long held a leading global position in the betaines market. However, over the past 15 years, Evonik has been following a strategy of bridging sustainability and performance through tailored, eco-friendly solutions for the personal care and cleaning industries. Adjusting the portfolio of the Care Solutions business line gives Evonik further opportunities for investments in sustainable specialties, especially within high growth areas such as cosmetic active ingredients.
In August 2022, Evonik divested its betaines business in Hopewell, Virginia in the U.S. This followed the sale of its betaines business in Milton Keynes in the UK in August 2020 and the consolidation of its European betaine operation in Essen, Germany. The divestment in Bekasi is the latest step in Evonik’s strategic shift away from assets and activities relating to its global betaine operations. Evonik will continue its betaines businesses in Europe and Latin America.
Betaines are amphoteric surfactants, which are used as ingredients in the formulation of shampoos, hair conditioners and skin care products for the personal care industry and in a wide range of other consumer applications.
Evonik’s Bekasi site is located around 20 km east of Jakarta and produces betaines and esters. As a strategically located manufacturing operation, the site is well suited to serve major markets in Southeast Asia and beyond.
